- Significant progress has been reported at the main venue for Zimbabwe’s 46th National Independence Day celebrations in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province.
- Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing developments.
- Site engineers are working towards a mid-March deadline to ensure all facilities are ready for the April 18 national event.
- The preparations include the construction of eight classroom blocks, modern teachers’ cottages, and ECD classroom blocks at Mahetshe Secondary School, which will also host the Independence Day Music Gala.
- The choice of Matobo District continues the tradition of rotating national celebrations across different provinces, a strategic shift from holding the main event solely in Harare.
The 46th National Independence Day celebrations in Zimbabwe are steadily taking shape in Matobo District, a move designed to decentralize major national events and promote provincial development. The Minister overseeing the preparations, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, recently toured the Maphisa Open Grounds, the primary venue, and conveyed his approval of the work completed thus far. The meticulous planning aims for all necessary infrastructure to be finalized well in advance of the April 18 commemoration.
Beyond the main celebration grounds, significant investment is also being channeled into Mahetshe Secondary School. This site is being upgraded to host the anticipated Independence Day Music Gala and will feature new educational facilities. These include a 700-seater hall, additional classroom blocks, an Advanced Level block, science laboratories, and an administration block, underscoring a commitment to leave a lasting legacy in the host communities.
Minister Nguluvhe emphasized the need for consistent financial backing from the Treasury to ensure that the projects remain on schedule and that the quality of work meets national standards. He commended the dedication of the engineering teams and urged all stakeholders to maintain their expedited efforts to deliver a flawless national event. The rotation of the celebrations across provinces, which has has seen Bulawayo, Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, and Midlands previously hosting, reflects a broader governmental vision to foster national unity and development beyond the capital.
Timeline
- **January 10, 2026:** Minister Cde Albert Nguluvhe conducts a site tour and briefings from various Government departments in Maphisa, expressing satisfaction with progress.
Key Players
- **Cde Albert Nguluvhe:** Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, overseeing the preparations.
- **Cde Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu:** Zanu PF Matabeleland South Provincial Chairman and Minister of Industry and Commerce, monitoring the project.
- **Site Engineers:** Responsible for the construction and adherence to deadlines.
- **Treasury:** Government department responsible for timely release of funds for the capital-intensive project.
